China launches Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with 1 of 3 astronauts set for yearlong stay (opens in new tab)

China has launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with three astronauts heading to its space station. The launch took place Sunday night from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. One astronaut is set to stay in space for a year to explore human adaptability in long-duration spaceflights. The mission includes Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan and Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut from Hong Kong. The crew will conduct science projects and complete an in-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou 21 crew. The launch ...